Search Press Releases

Press Release Archive

Press Releases

  |   Views: 8967

City Manager Stephen Arbo Announces Retirement Plans

City Manager Stephen Arbo Announces Retirement Plans

After a distinguished 20-year career with the City of Lee’s Summit, City Manager Stephen Arbo has announced his retirement, effective September 2022.

Arbo has more than 35 years of experience in the public service sector. He joined the City of Lee’s Summit in 2001 as assistant city manager and was promoted to deputy city administrator in 2005. In 2008, he was appointed city manager by City Council. At 13 years as city manager, Arbo has served three mayors and is the second longest serving city manager in the City’s history. Before coming to Lee’s Summit, Arbo served as the city manager for the City of Liberty Mo. and served in various administrative roles in several suburbs in West St. Louis County, Mo.

“It has been an honor to serve such an outstanding community. I am grateful to the elected leaders, fellow employees and citizens who have given time and energy to our efforts together,” Arbo said. “Lee’s Summit is an incredible place that has allowed me to grow professionally and has become ’home’ for my family.”

As city manager, Arbo oversees approximately 786 employees and is responsible for the delivery of all City services, including development, human resources, public works, finance, public safety, water utilities and technology. During his tenure, the City achieved a Aaa bond rating, the top national ranking available by Moody’s Investors Services. He increased the City’s operating reserves to $23 million to ensure economic stability during times of fiscal strain.

Arbo has built strategic relationships with the City’s community partners such as the Economic Development Council, Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street. He played a significant role in numerous large development projects, including Summit Woods, Summit Fair, Summit Technology Campus, New Longview, Streets of West Pryor, Summit Orchard and the revitalization of Lee’s Summit’s historic downtown.

Under Arbo’s leadership, the City has received many regional and national awards for its quality of services. Lee’s Summit has been designated a Bicycle Friendly Community, Walk Friendly Community and Community for All Ages. The City of Lee’s Summit is one of only 10 cities in the nation to hold four national accreditations for its Fire, Parks and Recreation, Police and Public Works services.

Arbo serves as the Missouri co-chair of the Regional Homeland Security Coordinating Committee for the Mid-America Regional Council and received their Regional Leadership Award in June 2021 alongside City Manager Bill Ebel of Overland Park. He was named the Public Administrator of the Year by the Greater Kansas City Chapter of ASPA and the 2011 Downtown Champion by Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street. Arbo was the recipient of the University of Central Missouri Student Government Association’s Excellence in Governance Award.

“Steve has helped guide our City through many complex issues over the past two decades while maintaining exceptional City services, ensuring our citizens enjoy the finest quality of life now and in the future,” said Mayor Bill Baird. “He is a highly respected municipal leader and has built collaborative partnerships in our region that have greatly benefited our City and will leave a lasting legacy. We wish Steve the best in his well-earned retirement. He will be dearly missed.”

Arbo chose to announce his retirement a year in advance to allow time for a smooth transition of leadership. He will continue to oversee the operation of the City, as directed by the mayor and City Council, through September 2022.

Print

Latest Press Releases

Welding on Fuel Tank Causes Explosion and Fire
Welding on Fuel Tank Causes Explosion and Fire

Welding on Fuel Tank Causes Explosion and Fire

On Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 4:20 p.m., the Lee's Summit Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 13000 Block East 99 Street near S. Noland Road. Several callers reported an explosion and black smoke coming from a building and a man on fire. The building is located at the border with Kansas City, MO, and units from the Kansas City Fire Department and Raytown Fire Protection District also responded. When KCFD arrived, black smoke was visible...
Citizens Leadership Academy Accepting Applications for 2024

Citizens Leadership Academy Accepting Applications for 2024

The City of Lee’s Summit is accepting applications for the 2024 Citizens Leadership Academy. The seven-week program offers residents and business owners a unique opportunity to learn about the inner workings of municipal government and engage with elected officials and City employees. Each week, participants get a firsthand look at what it takes to build and maintain one of the fastest growing communities in the Midwest through presentations and tours...
Electrical Fire Involving a Space Heater Damages Home
Electrical Fire Involving a Space Heater Damages Home

Electrical Fire Involving a Space Heater Damages Home

On Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 3:49 a.m., the Lee's Summit Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 1400 Block of SW Jefferson. The occupants called 911 after waking up to a popping noise and discovered smoke and fire in the living room. When the fire department arrived, smoke was visible from the front door of a one-story, single-family residence. The occupants and dog were outside.  Firefighters entered the building and quickly...
Lee’s Summit City Hall Accepting Jackson County Tax Payments

Lee’s Summit City Hall Accepting Jackson County Tax Payments

Lee’s Summit City Hall is accepting Jackson County property, business and real estate tax bill payments. Payments can be made at Treasury, located in the lobby of City Hall, 220 SE Green St. Treasury is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with extended hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 27-29. Taxpayers may also place bill payments in one of the City’s drop boxes, located in the vestibule of the north entrance to City Hall or in the alley...
Truck 3 In Service at Fire Station No. 3
Truck 3 In Service at Fire Station No. 3

Truck 3 In Service at Fire Station No. 3

The Lee’s Summit Fire Department proudly announces that Truck 3 went into service November 11 at Fire Station No. 3 as the second staffed fire apparatus in the station with Pumper 3, Med 3, and Chief 102, and is the first addition of a fire truck and crew since 2006. The ladder truck is an expansion apparatus approved through the 2019 No Tax Increase Bond Issue, along with the twelve personnel to staff it approved in the 2022 Public Safety Sales Tax initiative....
First246Last